Effect of physical and physiological parameters on the performance of sub-elite Indian upper order batsmen in T20 matches: a pilot study

Abstract

Scanty studies on physiological demands and movement characteristics to predict batting performance in comparative T20 cricket matches seem to be a fetus of seeds yet to be explored. A pilot study was carried out to explore the relationship between physical and physiological responses with the batting performance of sub elite T20 upper order batsmen and also the effect of batting innings on their performance. Twenty male batsmen who represented at district level (age: 20.0±2.4years, height: 1.68±0.58m, body mass: 63.6±7.6kg) and played in the upper order (1-4) were purposely selected and alienated according to batting innings. Key performance indicators of batting indicate that an individual score is significantly correlated (p=<0.001) with running between the wickets. The study revealed a significant correlation (p=0.02) between the individual score and average heart rate. Also, an ‘inverted U’ shaped trend line was observed between the individual score (y) and the average heart rate (x) (y = -0.09x2 + 1.38x + 7.27 with R² = 0.33). The moderate to high heart rate (126-157 bpm) zone was found to be effective for scoring at least 30 runs. Batting innings had no significant influence on upper-order batsmen's physical, physiological, and batting performance metrics. During batting, most of the time was spent while standing, most of the distance was covered by walking, and average heart rate of the batsmen was in the moderate to high-intensity zone.